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December 26, 2010

I finally got a chance to watch the BLACK SWAN! I was blown away by Ms. Portman's performance. The Rodarte sisters costumes were incredible during all the dance scenes. The movie reminded me a bit of Roman Polanski's REPULSION. That same suspenseful, strange and mental crumble. Definitely a must see for those of you who haven't already seen it.

After seeing this I stumbled upon my friend Jessie's jewelry etsy site Vinny and Vernelle. She makes pieces that remind me of dancers

December 19, 2010

Well, I did it. I can finally say that I made my hair a silly weird color. Of the zillion times I have changed my hair color, sadly I must confess I have always stayed in the "normal" palette. I had this desire to have frosting colored hair, and behold my new hair-- I do!

I am finally done with work until 2011! I look forward to re-introducing myself to my old pal "BED" where I can watch all the secret movie screeners sent over to me from the academy...like BLACK SWAN and the Fighter. This insane rainy Seattle like weather has also become my new best pal. Together we can get a lot of relax on.

XOXO Hope all of you are off Xmas shopping and finding fun stuff out there.

March 10, 2010

Anyone growing up in the 80's will acknowledge that actor Corey Haim was a true talent. He was sort of a Robert Pattinson of the MTV era kids. He was even in a vampire movie all his own...Lost Boys. But his role in "Lucas" was the film that won me over. Adorable geek tries to win the love of a popular girl. This movie came out in 1986- march and touched upon all the classic themes of popular vs geek, superficiality and underdog, and soon became a cult classic teen movie. It features a super young Winona Ryder (her first major role), Jeremy Piven, Charlie Sheen, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Kerri Green as "the girl". watch the trailer HERE if you've never seen this before.

I normally wouldn't blog about his passing, but this past year has really been a whirlwind of teen nostalgia vanishing. I realized this when Michael Jackson and director John Hughes passed away, that I was also mourning the loss of that time period in my life as well. With their passing, they reminded me of my old dance routines in the driveway, the introduction of the VCR and boys coming over to watch movies in the basement, and the "neighborhood" I lived in pre-parent Divorce where no one locked doors. Their deaths brought back a sudden realization that things were no longer as simple as they were back in the 80's. I know this is a silly realization, Duh Kime! But truly I sometimes think about what an impact some of these movies,performers and film makers had on us as teens. Way before everyone was so connected by social network sites and cell phones, we actually had to try to connect with something or someone. I kind of liked it way better. There is no way now to go back to the way it was, busy signals (emergency breakthroughs), actually going into a library to check out books to write a school paper. Ahhhh. It's official I am turning into a grown up. I'm going to be like my father and cherish the "good old days" the 80's will be like my dad's 60's. I suppose I will choose to recall Corey Haim as a gawky teen collecting bugs or fighting vampires.

November 18, 2009

This weekend my super talented friend Maximilla Lukacs is presenting some of her stunning visual films at the ACE hotel in Palm Springs. If I didn't have to move into my new house all weekend - this is totally where I would love to be! They are showing my favorite all time movie DAISIES- and Saturday Allison Anders is presenting her famous "Mi Vida Loca" movie. Funny that I will be moving out of the building that she shot most of the apartment scenes in that film. (Crazy to think that I have lived in that Echo Park old school building for almost 10 years!)

Anyway here are the details for those of you lucky enough to escape L.A for luxurious Palm Springs-

A satirical, wild and irreverent story of teenage rebellion, Vera Chytilova's "Daisies" is on of the Czech New Wave's standout moments. The women's anarchic antics are mirrored by the film's wildly free-associative montages, psychedelic color and effects and an overriding impression of gleeful anarchy. Few so-called art movies are this much fun.

With short films and videos by Maximillia Lukacs and Sarah Sophie Flicker, Jess Holzworth, Nicole McDonald, Melissa Auf De Maur and Ashley Conner.

Saturday 21 Nov 8pm

Curated by Allison Anders

MI VIDA LOCA (1993)

Mi Vida Loca is Allison Ander's brilliant study of girl gangs in Los Angeles' Echo Park. Anders' zig-zagging story line allows her to follow side roads that result in beautiful digressions of the sort you wouldn't find in a more conventional film. Working from her own script, Anders has something like perfect pitch for the secret codes between these sisters.

Director Allison Anders and select cast in attendance.

With "Viva Morrisey" -- a short documentary by Jessica Hundley and Jonathan Miertschin.

Also a special acoustic performance from Tiffany Anders.

SPECIAL 25% off Standard Room rate. All movies and curated events included!

September 23, 2009

the creative team over at space 1520 on Cahuenga have once again designed an amazing POP-up shop. The new WHERE the WILD THINGS are show is up and the space is filled with creatures and pods of branches- and trees to hide in. The costumes I heard were all created by the designer behind Karen O's Yeah Yeah Yeah costumes. Supposedly there is also a party coming up in Oct.

where these pieces will be for sale as well as limited edition Spike Jonze prints! On their site they posted: We are so lucky to see the colorful, fearless, Christian Joy Chicken costume everyday at the Pop-Up shop, inspired by the forthcoming film, Where The Wild Things Are. This is a one of a kind custom designed, handmade "chick" couture fromKaren O's costume designer. It's currently available for purchase so let us know if you're interested by emailing us at info@space15twenty.com.

August 08, 2009

I have to admit that I felt a part of my childhood pass away last month with Michael Jackson. I was at work and got the text from my sister that he died. She was a huge fan of his when we were young. She only had two posters on her wall, one of Boy George and one of Michael J. in his canary yellow bow tie. She simply wrote that day...Michael Jackson might be in a coma or dead and I feel like crying- I guess my love for him never faded."

The passing of MJ made me lament the passing of my own youth. That immature pre-teen girl that I used to be running through yards in my neighborhood, making up dance routines to PYT and Thriller in the driveway with friends...

We would prank call people ( I mean boys we liked )and tape record their "hello? hello? Hello, is anyone there"

I remember going to my friend Lauren's house (she had cable ) to watch the World Premiere video of Thriller. It was huge news, everyone was talking about it at school the next day. We performed it later in the talent show for the whole school in white gloves and a black light. Don't laugh, it was scary.

But nothing prepared me for this next one.

Now I have been told that I have to deal with the loss of director John Hughes too. I grew up with that man's movies and they were the largest part of my teen years. Solon Ohio was just like all of the suburban places in his films and I like that I grew up in a midwest suburb in the 80's. I loved that Hughes was always forcing his characters to cross over into something new. Showing role reversal, both sides of the fence and geek chic. I saw Breakfast Club at the movie theatre with my mother. We sat in awkward silence, later laughing together and I remember her later saying "wow, kids really hate their parents, huh?"

I saw "Sixteen Candles" with a boy at the movies, and was so excited about it. Every girl wanted to find a "JAke Ryan". My friend Samantha had all of the John Hughes movies at her house on VHS (her parents used to own a video shop) and we spent the summers laying in her parents living room watching Weird Science, Pretty in Pink,Some Kind of Wonderful, Vacation, Sixteen Candles ,Ferris Bueller's day off and Breakfast Club over and over and over til we could recite almost every single line.

"demented and sad but social"

My father, according to all my friends was Clark Griswald in Vacation. He even slightly resembled Chevy. That movie somehow catapulted my father into having the nickname Clarkus Claire Griswald (my father's middle name is Claire, yes Claire and according to Breakfast club- that's a fat girl name) My father was the type of guy to drive an extra 3.5 hours to witness a giant ball of mud. Considering I spent most of my Saturdays in high school detention (blame my bonnie and clyde relationship at the time), Breakfast Club was sort of a cool reminder of those rebellious moments. Yes that is me on the right below, yikes right?

My sister always reminded me of the drummer girl (Mary Stuart Masterson ) in some kind of wonderful. I was obsessed with that scene where she asks him if he is ready for the "kiss" with Amanda Jones. The Kiss!

I was crazy in love with all of John Hughes soundtracks- every single one of them imprinted still on my brain (that music has somehow become the soundtrack to my life.) Tenderness by General Public in Weird Science, Altered Images and Thompson Twins in 16 Candles, Suzanne Vega -The RAVE-ups, The Smiths, Echo and the bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs ,and O.M.D. in Pretty in Pink - the list goes on and on and on.

Even "she's having a baby" had amazing songs- like Gene Loves Jezabel. I wanted to be Andie in Pretty in Pink, I wanted the pink vintage car, the record shop job, the crazy room with old kimonos and eventually starting shopping all of my clothes at thriftstores trying to look that way. I can still picture the JAckie O two piece periwinkle polka dot 60's suit I owned and the funny hats with nets. John Hughes made the first movies where outcast teens emerged as cool and music and fashion set a new standard. Hard to believe this picture below is summer 8th grade.

I wanted to wear this dress (below) from weird science so bad, and I wanted that mesh and denim 80's skirt she wears at the mall-

and I loved when she met Gary's parents and said: " You know, there's going to be sex, drugs, rock-n-roll... chips, dips, chains, whips... You know, your basic high school orgy type of thing. I mean, uh, I'm not talking candlewax on the nipples, or witchcraft or anything like that, no, no, no. Just a couple of hundred kids running around in their underwear, acting like complete animals.

I

I used the lines in his movies as my own words in many high school notes, he somehow spoke our language. When my friend sent me this link, I must confess I got a huge lump in my throat. It made my heart sink with a sense of nostalgia so heavy. Those images from his movies are like intense triggers to diary entries from my past. I can remember listening to OMD in a convertible car in the backseat with a boy. When I see them I want to be in a high school cafeteria, I want to sit in saturday school and stare at a clock and daydream about crushes. I want to be so nervous that someone might call and my parents will be on the phone (no call waiting), I want to go to a school dance and stare longingly at the boy I like while he is dancing with someone else just to remember how awful it felt...and I still want to work at the coolest record shop and have a best friend named Duckie.

May 09, 2009

Last night I was invited to the premiere screening in Los Angeles of Our City Dreams

an incredible documentary on five female artists who have chosen to create artwork in NYC. Below is a summary:

Chiara Clemente, daughter of painter Francesco Clemente, follows five New York-based female artists for her documentary Our City Dreams. Swoon, Nancy Spero, Kiki Smith, Ghada Amer, and Maria Abramovich (all heavy hitters in the art world) were filmed over the course of two years as they lived and worked in New York City. Highlights of the film include:

Swoon’s first solo exhibition at Deitch Projects in New York, Ghada Amer’s return to her Egyptian homeland, Kiki Smith’s traveling retrospective, Marina Abramovic’s weeklong series of performances at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and Nancy Spero’s preparations of a new piece for the 2007 Venice Biennale.

My friend Tanya Selvaratnam produced the film. This is a must see for artists who want to be inspired ( much like the film the Beautiful Losers). I wanted to skip the after party and rush home and clear a space to create things. The audience was filled with creative women artists, designers and performers.

Something sweetly nostalgic from my college painting years came flooding back while watching. That feminist instinct that permeated all of my school projects in the 90's awakened. Many of the women in the film have inspired my work, some of their books still on my shelves.

One of the artists featured in the film, Kiki Smith was a huge influence in my college work. I was fascinated by her mastery of so many mediums. Her wax body figures, sculptures, etched drawings and installations appear like stolen precious artifacts from a magical period of time. Watching her in this new film riding her bike in the city with her long wavy grey hair made me envious. I thought, "I hope to live like that someday". Stopping along the way to remove some lovely drawer handles for future projects.

below some of Kiki's work

The film reminded me of that documentary film on artist Alice Neal. You may recall I posted the trailer to that film because it touched me. The notion that as a women artist you are faced with the challenge of raising a family or creating art. That theme is presented a few times in Our City Dreams as well. Young artist Swoon is shown working away in her studio. Sawdust flying around, hanging her silkscreened pieces floating from threads. The energy is contagious. Her desire to create til the sun comes up. Swoon is later quoted as saying she's “too consumed by art to start a family”—

above is Swoon's collaboration raft project

“I did art because I didn’t want to die,” says the restless painter Ghada Amer

April 20, 2009

Last night me and mr H. went to see the new film "Adventureland". I hadn't really seen any trailers or reviews...so I went in without any preconceived ideas or expectations. The movie is set in 1987 and is about a guy who just graduated from Oberlin College in OHIO!. Which I may add is the place Liz Phair went to school and where I saw her perform Exile from Guyville in an old church. (don't be alarmed--I had a riot girl phase)

I had thought that this was gonna be a Superbad-Judd Apatow type comedy, but wasn't prepared for the trip down memory lane. I'm not even really sure what type of movie this should be categorized as. I mean the Superbad,Kristen Wiig and Hader fans may be disappointed cause it's really more of a suburbia 80's chick flick. It was pretty heavy on the young love juice. All I know is it took me to a place in my own awkward shy growing up phase.

The amusement park looked so much like the one I attended weekly as a kid-preteen, even the rides were the same. Music Express had the same psychedelic light displays and crazy 80's music pumping. I was almost convinced it was the theme park from my home town in Ohio called Geauga Lake, but found out later it was all shot in Pennsylvania. Midwest all the same.

So let me just say that the awkward coming of age lead actor Jessie Eisenberg is perfect for this role. He is the new neurotic replacement for films like this. His old childhood pal is a hyperactive antagonizer who reminds me of Vincent Spano's role in Over the Edge. He even rides a similar bike and wears a headband. There was something about this film that I knew was autobiographical to the writer. I knew that he lived this, or it was stolen from the pages of my journals. Considering I kept active journals from 6th grade til mid college this could be possible. There were moments in this movie that were so strangely nostalgic and uncomfortable that I found myself shielding my face. It dragged me back to strange summer jobs, early crushes, absurd 80's fashion, dance routines,messy parent problems, and of course "then their was the music". The music that you can claim as your own somehow. When you actually cared about the radio and playing mixed tapes in your car that some boy you adored had painstakingly made on a dual cassette recorder. I can still picture some of those tape covers hand drawn and neatly folded.

There is a scene where they are shown rolling a car down the driveway to sneak out, and instantly I remembered a night like that in high school. My two friends and I slowly rolling her mom's car in neutral past two houses before starting it and heading to downtown cleveland. Radio blasting dressed in some crazy contempo style outfits. I've seen a million Unsolved Mysteries start off that way now.

here's who I rolled the car down the drive with (it was her mom's)

I suppose this movie made me think about that time in your life where your a hopeless romantic and dream of leaving the midwest & living in a big city. Maybe that is a place no one dare wants to visit again. It left me at times with a lump in my throat. But I lived that suburbia scene and perhaps those moments when you said the dumbest thing ever to your crush can still haunt you and leave a lump in your throat. Or maybe you got into a fight and drove to their house and threw rocks at their window? Well...maybe not that much detail huh? The soundtrack throughout the film flutters from the Replacements, Lou Reed, The Cure, Husker Du, Falco, Wang Chung and ends on a high note playing "Don't Change" by INXS.

They say that things tend to repeat in fashion every 20 years or so and it's true that the late 80's are pushing for a comeback. I even heard that the book "Mysteries of Pittsburgh" by Michael Chabon is being made into a movie. I remember reading that back then. I can't wait for clingy Limited Express and Contempo dresses and lycra biker shorts and brooch pins right where the collar ends. Oh and maybe shoulder pads and cropped boleros like Paula Abdul would wear.

November 21, 2008

I stayed home tonight and watched "Reckless". I'm seen it enough times to recite almost every line in advance. Which is annoying to anyone else in the room and quite frankly sad. I think that perhaps it's the rad soundtrack that lures me in...Romeo Void, Inxs, etc...The dance scene, the pretty lengthy nude scene in the boiler room? who knows? It's also not available on DVD yet, so you really gotta work to see it.

Could also be something to do with the real romeo void in L.A. I mean do sure-thing men even live here? I swear you can go out and never interact with anyone. What happened to a little razzle dazzle? Do we ladies have to think of everything? I may have to move out of the country. It's like you have to wear a sign out that says "available and approachable" "make a move" "I don't bite, unless you deliver a limp kiss".

Alas. My lady friends and I are not looking for Mr. Right, just Mr. Right now.

And p.s. speaking of staying in on a Thurs and watching Reckless, I just really want to know where I can find a guy who dances like this. Channeling Ian Curtis please

August 26, 2008

THE LAST SUNDAY Cemetery SCREENING!!
This movie really gave me the creeps. Now I can go and see it at a cemetery and really go over the edge. Any movie that combines haunting music, a blonde kid in a red raincoat and some one under the stairs, has gotta produce goosebumps.
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nick roeg's stylized and elegant ghost story is still one of the scariest films ever made! donald sutherland and julie christie star as a couple who move to venice, italy after the accidental drowning of their child. sutherland begins to see an apparition of the dead girl in the mysterious alleys and tunnels of the city and he tries to catch the spirit. moody, hallucinatory cinematography of the spooky streets of venice combined with roeg's adventurous direction and editing, make this an indisputable classic.
djs wyatt, wilson and rendina spin before and after the movie
gates at 7:00 pm, film at 8:30 PM
hollywood forever cemetery
6000 santa monica boulevard at gower
$10 donation tickets available at gate.

August 25, 2008

Last week, I attended the sneak peek screening of BEAUTIFUL LOSER's by director and pal Aaron Rose. The film is an inspiration for everyone, and encourages the thought...JUST MAKE SOMETHING!
There is something wonderful about witnessing the sweet build up of a movement, a subtle birth of ideas that ignites a contagious riot of creativity. These kids were not all trained, they didn't wait for something to happen to them. They set out to fill their time making unconventional installations of colorful stuff. This stuff was received with happy praise and prompted them to rush home and want to make more and more work.
There are some touching moments tucked within the film, some about lovely artist Margaret Kilgalen (I've always had an appreciation for her & we're born on the same day)
I am grateful that the SHOW PONY store sign was created by Aaron Rose.
(he had overheard me complain how we had been open for four years and still didn't have a shop sign. He then painted a cool old timey font sign with pretty pink flowers and secretly climbed up and hung it one day)
+Do yourself a favor and stop complaining or wasting time, GO AND SEE THIS MOVIE-
then get inspired to hit up an art supply shop on the way home.
BEAUTIFUL LOSERS HITS LOS ANGELES NUART THEATRE
FOR A LIMITED ONE WEEK RUN ONLY!
BEAUTIFUL LOSERS is heading out to LA for a limited one week run starting this Friday August 29th! Jonathan Wells' FLUX screening at the Montalban was completely packed with Money Mark performing afterwards. Now is your chance to see Beautiful Losers at the Nuart!
Don't miss out on Beautiful Losers in Los Angeles
*Q&As with DIRECTOR AARON ROSE AND SPECIAL GUESTS ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENING SCREEINGS*
"Effervescent" - New York Magazine
"Full of energy and attitude" - Variety
NUART THEATRE
SHOWTIMES: 5:00PM, 7:30PM, 10PM DAILY, PLUS FRI - MON 12:00PM, 2:30PM
BUY ADVANCED TICKETS NOW!
VISIT BEAUTIFULLOSERS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION!

July 22, 2008

There's nothing like zero sleep in NYC most of your stay, then partying for 12 hours before getting straight on a plane, finally finding your bed and crashing...only to wake up to THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN. The movie that made me want to cut off all my hair, reconsider my sexuality, and want to drive around like an outlaw. This movie is summer 80's style for me. I want to put on my thrashed boots and baggy high waisted shorts with four belts and march through my neighborhood looking for fun. There are crazy scenes where she has on those 85' style baggy pants like Bananarama street urchin. Cool bolero ties and denim torn vests. Skimpy and yet strong.

The movie came out in the 80's, and I was mesmerized by it. I remember thinking that over and over, "She's so cool, she's so cool".

The premise of the movie is that Billie Jean's brother (played by a super young Christian Slater) has his scooter taken by a local bully/brat and they trash it. She just wants them to get it fixed, or replaced by the bully's dad. She goes to his tourist shell shop to ask for the money owed to them- the creepy dad tries to make a move on her, refuses to pay her, and her brother panics and pulls the gun out of the register and shoots the guy in the arm. Billie Jean and her pals end up on the run.

The movie then takes an interesting turn, as she becomes sort of a hero, martyr, celebrity. She ends up hacking off all her hair like Joan of Ark. Because this movie was way before the insane media obsession, it sort of is an early look at how media can spin something and make someone "famous". Girls who see her on the news chanting "FAIR IS FAIR" start cutting their hair like her and dressing with one earring. The soundtrack features Billy Idol during a scene where she is outrunning the cops to REBEL YELL and many scenes where Pat Benatar is playing as random fans of her give her rides to escape. I especially love when the cops ask her pal Putter, "Where is Billie Jean?" and she replies "She's everywhere."

There's a lot of good action, fashion and corny 80's sayings

"I think she is the toughest thing to happen out there." as said by a fan

I always sort of had a crush on Peter Coyote in this too. He had that concerned "investigator suit" look and Texas accent.

My friends and I would lay around in the summer and watch this over and over.

"The film was expected to be a big hit, especially with the MTV crowd, as evidenced by the immediate heavy rotation of its theme song, "Invincible" by Pat Benatar, which peaked at number four on America's Top Forty; however, its reviews were poor, and it only grossed approximately US$3.5 million.

The film's only home video release as of 2007 was on pan & scan VHS in 1985 and has yet to be released on DVD." (wikipedia)

For those of you who have never seen it: the taglines on the poster said:

When you're seventeen, people think they can do anything to you. Billie Jean is about to prove them wrong.

July 14, 2008

There is nothing more exciting than grabbing all of your pillows, a blanket and bag of snacks and heading to a cemetery with friends to see your favorite 80's movie. Should I simply say favorite movie of all time? Of course Annakim snuck in early like a ninja and secured the best seats on the lawn. I swear she is touched by an angel, or just crazy in the art of "cutting" in line. While the rest of us stayed waiting in the long long line. On the inside they were playing the best songs, like YAZ Mr. Blue, Tears for Fears-Mad World, Age of Consent by New Order etc...
This was Jeaneen and I as the cemetery got dark, giddy with anticipation...
This is what we looked like after we realized STACEY (Heidi Holicker) was sitting on the BLANKET next to us!! That's right, Stacey (Julie from the movie's BEST FRIEND!!) She has so many amazing lines in the movie- I'm like freaking out!
YOU HAVE TO CLICK ON THESE FOR THE WHOLE IMAGE:
She looked so incredible! Can't believe she starred in this in 1983! When I mentioned this she said "Well I never got married and never had kids!"
The fountain of youth revealed.
"Stacey" even passes some cookies our way from her blanket. She told us some cool insider tidbits of trivia too. She said most of the clothes were her own, and that she was the only actress really from the valley of the main girls.
As soon as the movie started, I felt anxious. I was going to be watching my all time favorite film on a cemetery lawn outside with ton of people. The purple sky lit up the palm trees in the distance and everyone settled into their pillows and snacks. It felt like hundreds of cozy beds lined up at a mega drive in. I couldn't help but look occasionally at "Stacey" whenever one of her scenes played. There was a sweet look of awe on her face, perhaps from the overwhelming fans and the magic of watching it so big with stars above. She shyly held her head in her hands while she laid on blanket near us, a smile on her face.
Although this may sound corny, something super nostalgic happened while watching. I had this feeling that my chest might burst with a powerful emotional surge. Hearing a MILLION Miles AWAY like a time capsule. Every scene as strong as they were the first time I watched them on my friend Samantha's couch in high school. (her parents owned a Video Cassette movie place in the 80's!) I kept thinking that even though this was shot in the 80's, this is the way you want things to be. You want strange boys from another school, to invade your dull house party and drag you to Hollywood and show you a side of town that is scary and exciting. You want to stay out all night making out in a car, and have the time of your life, see things you've only read about in books. Do men even fight for affection anymore? Strange how this film embodies my ideal romance. Viv told me that today it's called "stalking", ha ha.
I just loved that during the scene where Randy gets kicked out of the party and decides to turn the car around go back for that dazzling chick Julie...when he says something like: Who was that guy? I mean I was doing alright with that chick, I dig her-she likes me -Screw it were going back- No one's gonna tell me who I'm gonna score with...EVERYONE screamed and cheered in the cemetery crowd.
Stacey (Heidi) gave Lincoln a sweet kiss on the cheek
The best way a movie can end-
How can I top this!?

July 06, 2008

Well, someone is smiling down on me today. I just found out that my all time favorite movie VALLEY GIRL is being screened next Sunday at the Cemetery! Sweet. I think saying I've seen this movie 550 times might scare some people. I have always said that Valley Girl is the most romantic movie ever made. Sure, there are others, but for me it's all about Randy and Julie.
It's a modern day 80's Romeo and Juliet. The scene where he waits in the bathroom for her is "truly dazzling"
the tagline: She's cool. He's hot. She's from the Valley. He's not.
The cool recap on wikipedia is this:
Julie Richman is a Valley Girl who seems to have it all; good looks, popularity, and a handsome Valley dude boyfriend, Tommy. However, she has grown tired of Tommy's disrespect and arrogance towards her. At the end of a shopping trip with her friends (Stacey, Suzi, and Loryn), Julie runs into Tommy and breaks up with him, returning his I.D. bracelet.
That night, at a party at Suzi's house, Julie locks eyes with Randy, a Hollywood punk who has crashed the party with his friend Fred. They hit it off well, but a jealous Tommy, who had tried to bed Loryn earlier that night, and his cronies throw Randy and Fred out. Randy eventually returns to Suzi's house, sneaks inside, and hides, waiting for Julie to cross his path. When she does, he convinces her to leave the party with him. Julie brings a very reluctant Stacey along for the ride with Randy and Fred into Hollywood. Fred introduces himself by saying, Hi, I'm Fred. I like tacos and '71 Cabernet. My favorite color is magenta. While at Randy's favorite nightclub, Julie and Randy find their attraction to each other growing and share a kiss, as Stacey continually rebuffs Fred's advances.
Julie's blossoming romance with Randy disgusts her friends, simply because Randy is not from the Valley. They threaten Julie with the loss of her popularity and their friendship if she continues to date Randy. Julie goes to her father, an aging 60's era hippie, for advice. Mr. Richman kindly tells her that she should follow her heart, reminding her that it is what is inside a person that counts.
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The soundtrack is radical and the clothes are to die for. I remember in high school paying this guy money to record all of the songs from the movie on a mix tape, because the soundtrack was out of print and nearly impossible to find.
I know that my future husband will be in the crowd for sure. Any man who adores Valley Girl has me at "hello" (scheid romance reference).
They even have a drinking game while watching VALLEY GIRL,
Drink Every Time . . .
1. Anyone mentions how hot Tommy is
2. Anyone makes out - make it a double for bare breasts
3. Julie's parents true hippie-ness comes out
4. Randy goes to his club
5. Anyone gets into a physical fight
6. The Valley Girls give Julie crap about dating Randy
7. Julie mulls over whether she should choose Randy or Tommy
AND IF YOU REALLY WANT TO GET WASTED . . .
Anyone uses a Valley Girl-ism, i.e., "Fer Sher!" or "Totally!"
MY FAVORITE SCENE!!
directed by martha coolidge (1983, 93 mins)
gates at 7:30pm. film at 9:00pm.
$10 donation tickets available at gate.
dj chris curtis spins before and after the screening
hollywood forever cemetery: 6000 santa monica boulevard at gower

June 04, 2008

This past week the silent movie theatre hosted a sneak peak viewing of the new Lavender Diamond film "IMAGINE OUR LOVE". The event was also a fundraiser to help bring the rest of the film to life. Echo Park pal and creative visionary Becky Stark has been talking about this fantastic film idea for ages. She asked me to take part countless times, but as soon as I hear the word "choreography" I slink away swiftly. For those who may or may not already know, dancing is not my specialty. Actually "rhythm" is not my pal either.

According to the article posted below (Pitchfork):

"When we made the record [Imagine Our Love], I just wasn't satisfied with makingone video," Stark confides over the phone. "I wanted to make lots of videos of us dancing in costumes, and there's so many incredible people in my neighborhood, there's so many ladies, I just really wanted to make a video with lots of ladies dancing, with, you know, costumes. I also so much wanted to tell a story, create a mythology for younger people. We have a lot of kids who are like three and four who love our record. They've listened to it a million times. But it's not just a movie for three and four year olds!"

Instead, what began its life as a "gangster earth liberation fantasy with [songwriter and friend] Ariel Pink as the kidnapper" has evolved into a truly magisterial story involving "an interplanetary journey to visit the cosmic mother's council to get the wisdom for how to liberate the Earth." There's a real lavender diamond, a stint in jail, a rescue from a bail bond-settling "secretary angel bird," and a climactic trip to a Chinese gem factory. Scenes routinely explode into Busby Berkeley-esque musical extravaganzas.

Stark explains, "We just decided to stage these really incredible celebrations, you know, fantasies. I feel like there really needs to be more dancing, and full celebration. Especially with women. Because in order for the Earth to come back into balance, I think that there really needs to be a strengthening for all people, but really for the feminine element. For women to really become equal in the world and our society is really how the Earth is going to come back into balance."

February 24, 2008

I've always loved the incredible work of fashion designer ZANDRA RHODES. She is a textile & construction genius. Her 60's debut rocked the runways while her 70's cut out feather dresses float and form works of art of your bedroom floor. Known as much for wild pink hair and color explosion ensembles, she has an adventurous fashion spirit that has always echoed true Punk. I just caught word that she also recently hosted some dinner parties at her penthouse, and there is a surreal film that captures the scene.

"On Friday the 30th of November, the first of a series of online dinner party art films took place in Zandra Rhodes’ penthouse. Featuring Zandra herself, the dinner party discussion was led by Natt Weller, son of Paul Weller and included guests such as Marios Schwab, artist Andrew Logan, Bishi and Piers Atkinson (Daily Rubbish) amongst others.

Produced by Glass Loves, ‘Chapter 7: Eat Your Chiffon’ was shot by up and coming Photographer & Film Maker Ben Charles Edwards who ‘knows how to turn everyday scenarios into warped cartoon fantasy-lands on film.’ - Jodie Harsh.

Inspired by ‘Eat Your Make Up’ and Chapter 7 of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, the film has managed to capture raw discussion amongst the iconic guests whilst visually acting as an online art installation. The film is being released online in 3 parts in January 2008. Details are at www.glassloves.com

Stay tuned for the next chapter of iconic dinner parties featuring ‘very special’ surprise guests. To be announced shortly....

Make-up for ‘Chapter 7: Eat Your Chiffon’ was provided by James Molloy for M.A.C
Filmmaker www.bencharlesedwards.com

November 09, 2007

The Dublab CREW arranged for the Benefit to be filmed back in OCT by Mike Benson.- so for those of you who may or may not have had a chance to venture out...here's the link on youtube (followed by a higher res link if needed)

August 23, 2007

I went to see SUPER BAD last night at the VISTA theatre in Los Feliz and ran into just about everyone I know. I was surprised that the entire theatre was packed for a Tues.
I laughed out loud during most of the movie. Could've been because Mr. P. was practically squealing and choking on his own laughter. It reminded me of all those awkward moments growing up where you are trying to score some drinks via an older person at the 7-11. It also had sort of a WEIRD SCIENCE vibe between the friends. My opinion was defintely swayed by the cuteness of Michael Cera- the kid who played George Michael on Arrested Developement. He is truly hilarious in every uncomfortable moment. It's probably more of a "guy" movie as far as the sexual innuendo and such...but I'm silly so I give it a thumbs up

August 21, 2007

I think a reviewer of the film SWEET MOVIE said it best..."what was director Dusan Makavejev smoking and where can I get some?"

Yesterday at the video store, a captivating DVD cover caught my eye. A doily headdress veil cascading over a naked woman in a ribbon chastity belt. Hmmm. What could this film be about?
My mind may never be the same.

I watched this, last night and again today. Yet still the phrase that rings in my head is "what's happening?"
I'm not sure if what I've witnessed is legal. What happened to the director, the writer to make this movie? How do you get to this place?

This movie makes Holy Mountain look like a Disney flick, seriously. Dusan Makavejev's SWEET MOVIE will stamp your brain with visuals from a cracked kaleidescope spinning feces, urine, candy, gynecological beauty pageants, food orgies, to a naked bodybuilder jumping rope. There are men drinking eachother's urine, an affair where the couple are locked in an orgasmic spasm and a girl zipped up into a suitcase heading for Paris. What!?

This surreal and bizarre film was created in 1974 and was meant to show the future 1984. It's been described as a "revolutionary Marxist sex comedy". Sweet Movie is still banned in many countries and actress Anna Prucnal was exiled from her native country Poland for seven years as a result of her role in the movie. She was denied a Visa to enter Poland to see her dying mother during that time. Whoa?

As for the plot (descibed like a collage) the film alternates between the sexual adventures of two women. The first is Miss Canada 1984 (Carole Laure), who, in addition to the her beauty crown, wins the right to marry Mr. Dollars, the richest man in the world. On the night of their honeymoon, Miss Canada is frightened by Dollars' golden penis, and flees his estate. But not before her new mother-in-law pushes her in a pool and attempts to keep her under. Miss Canada—begins the film as an innocent sweetheart and is slowly corrupted by a series of lecherous men, eventually folding herself into a sad fetal position.

The other lady is Anna Planeta (Anna Prucnal), who captains a steamboat with a large papier-mache head of Karl Marx on the front. She picks up a young sailor, and the two engage in a series of erotic adventures that involve beds of sugar and violent mishaps. Anna is later shown in one of the most alluring doily delights, a flimsy bow and magical veil, as well as tiny knit dainty gloves. She lures young boys aboard and seduces them with sugar and sex. These pedophilia moments depict her dancing around them and placing her lace undergarments across their faces. Eventually unzipping their pants in front of a large Karl Marx mural. The dirty ol man is always watching. Odd and surreal is an understatement here.

Yugoslav art-house provocateur Dusan Makavejev created this film about bourgeois complacency INSTEAD of taking Francis Ford Coppolla up on his offer to direct " Apocalypse Now ". Which I thought was pretty cool. Because as messed up as war movies are, nothing can prepare you for the shellshock "Sweet Movie" with deliver.

I think there is something to be said about the "overindulgance" of all of these pleasures. The movie ending with Miss Canada writhing in a massive bowl of chocolate-practically choking in it. Too much of anything is perhaps not always so sweet?

Here's a cool pic of actress Carole Laure from the 70's

and here she is today- STILL super sexy

here's the cover for Dusan Makavejev's film WR:Mysteries of the Organism- created before Sweet Movie (this was the film that made Coppolla want him for Apocalypse Now

July 25, 2007

I have always had a fascination with Jane Birkin. Her stunning looks and incredible pout could stop traffic. Yesterday, after a good long period of crying, Miss Viv told me to turn the channel and watch WONDERWALL. The psychedelic SWINGING London film from 1968 was just what the Dr. ordered. I got lost in a blur of fab colors, fashion frenzy and soft soundtrack by George Harrison (my favorite Beatle).

I couldn't take my eyes of the screen. The quirky plot involves an eccentric but lovable scientist who forms an obsession with the girl next door. He creates a wonder wall full of peep holes in order to spy on the object of his affection. Set in 1960's London, Jane Birkin plays a fashion model named Penny Lane. A psychedelic fantasy that takes voyeurism to a new level. The treehouse like loft space is adorned with painted stars and silent movie posters. Wild wallpapers and magic stained glass panels drag the viewer into the absurd abyss. I was hoping to transport myself into that room somehow.

June 26, 2007

While laying around my place contemplating action, I noticed a 60's movie playing on my t.v.- without sound. When I finally put the volume up, it was this scene :
a rad 60's style girl is getting dosed with LSD - begins to seizure/ acid trip dance across the room while a bunch of men stare on. This dance sequence will go down in my history book as the BEST freakout EVER! I mean- she is wide eyed and wild and interepretative dancing to the max. Not since "And God Created Woman" with Bardot or Ally sheedy in Breakfast club has a dance convulsion looked so appealing. Her outfit is electric and the tension is thick. She later falls victim to a horrible gang rape. Which is not very good. Bad things happen when you hang with the wrong crowd. There are some eerie tripped out scenes where a random hippie girl just laughs and laughs while everything goes bad around her.

There's loads of great background details and drugged-out strangeness throughout this film. It sort of has a pulp bummer 50's morality schtick. The scene takes place on the infamous Sunset Strip. The Chocolate Watchband plays in concert in the film. "As for the title "Riot", it only lasts about four minutes - so it's a bit on the weak side.

The Chocolate Watchband (seriously one of the best names ever) play in this scene from the movie

June 14, 2007

Talk about trippy...
at this moment I am hypnotized by the strange plot of BLACK MOON- a surreal film circa 1975. Based on the book, this bizarre film depicts an Alice in Wonderland like girl amidst a fantasy war between the men and the women. The young girl tries to escape this reality and comes to a hidden place where there is a talking unicorn in the yard, that scolds the girl- and screaming naked children that swarm at any moment. The unicorn has some witty dialogue. I should also mention there is an old woman that never leaves her bed but stays in contact with the world through her radio. Her classic line : [talking to someone over the radio] The girl? She just lost her bloomers and now she's eating the cheese. (she also talks with a rat)
The brother character is played by Joe Dallesandro- known for his role in Warhol's flick Flesh and as the model for (my favorite cover) The Smiths' debut album, The Smiths. A bit of trivia- he also was
immortalized in Lou Reed's song "Walk on the Wild Side". He's "Little Joe", the hustler referred to in the third verse.

Louis Malle has created an apocalyptic fantasy in Black Moon, Lily (Cathryn Harrison) soon finds herself in a alternate world full of non sequiturs and bizarre characters. Malle reportedly culled inspiration for the narrative of this film from his own dreams. This is one of those interesting films that fuels the imagination and makes even david Lynch blush. The cinematography is stunning!
Unsurprisingly, Black Moon was considered a failure upon its release. “Not enough Miles Davis!” bawled the mob still stuck on the elevator to the gallows.
But it's been said..." how can one not love the playful madness displayed on screen? "

The film is better than acid.
try to check it out later this month: BLACK MOON will be showing a few more times on Flix this month (on June 25 at 3:45 am eastern, and on June 25 at 11:35 pm eastern), and on Showtime Beyond next month, so mark your calendar

May 24, 2007

Thanks to my friend Liz (nogoodforme.com) for letting me know about the newly released film of Susan Cianciolo. As you all know, I adore all of Susan's projects. She is a true visionary.

"1960s Butterfly Girl is a dreamlike meditation on the visionary fashion of designer Susan Cianciolo.
With its ethereal backdrop of the Malibu shore, 1960s Butterfly Girl examines the lines, forms, and colors not only in Cianciolo’s creations—but in nature itself. A mesmeric score by L.A. art-punk duo No Age propels the film, resulting in a spellbinding, occasionally voyeuristic ballet of art, sound, and natural beauty."

Conceived as a cinematic fashion show, “1960s Butterfly Girl” stars supermodel
Frankie Rayder and showcases Cianciolo’s latest couture collection, Queen of Hearts. In a
series of dreamlike sequences shot on the Malibu shore, Rayder reveals the extravagantly
hand-embroidered creations that Cianciolo says are inspired by the queens, kings, and
knights of the 1700s (including a piece constructed from textiles designed by Mike Mills). No
Age’s guitar-drenched yet ethereal score propels the film, resulting in a hypnotic ballet of art
and sound.

Produced by No Age guitarist Randy Randall and directed by Alisa Lipsitt, “1960s
Butterfly Girl” is the debut project from Randall and Lipsitt’s boutique production company,
Stacks and Layers (www.stacksandlayers.com). They are now working on a documentary
titled “A New York Thing,” featuring indie bands such as
First Nation and Soiled Mattress and the Springs.

Location (www.21mercerstreet.com) takes place June 4-11 at
21 Mercer Street in New York City. Future screenings of
“1960s Butterfly Girl,” which premiered in L.A. in March,
will be held internationally later this year.

If you are able to go and see it- in the Big Apple, PLEASE do so...for me.

April 04, 2007

I get really excited when I see young people doing creative things that my adult friends could never execute. There is something genius about a pre-adolescent deciding to start a band, or be a clothing designer etc...in this particular case I'm talking about a talented animator named Asher. He has created an entire website (since 2004!) which hosts short films- animated cartoons and videos utilizing his pals as character voices. There are sound effects and music which suit the work and an impressive amount of choices listed for viewing. You can find his site here:http://peanutfoot.net
and then when you get to the page click on peanut foot ENTER HERE...and then click on FILMS. I started watching RED STATE Banjo.
When I was in middle school- I was playing with puppets. The closest thing I had to a computer was intellevision.
I imagine Mr. P would have a similar "RANTINGS" website when he was younger, check out Asher's rant journal here: http://www.freewebs.com/ashersrants/rantings.htm
I don't think any of the participants are in H.S. yet...although they keep their actual ages a mystery and simply say they are between 0-100. I love a good mystery.

March 19, 2007

if you love Mr. Ruffalo, and I know you must...
Don't forget to watch Bravo Monday night- because “Inside The Actors Studio” sits down with actor Mark Ruffalo Monday, March 19, 2007 @ 8 PM ET/PT. James Lipton follows Ruffalo's childhood and career discussing his career and craft, which has lead him to memorable roles on the screen and off. Lipton examines roles Ruffalo has taken on in films such as, “You Can Count On Me,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “13 Going on 30.” Ruffalo shares with the actors studio how his career-breaking success has made him remain true to his stage roots and how his life changed after he faced a serious health crisis. You can see sneak peek video of him on the Bravo.com site- and witness Mark saying the word "tongue" and "clitoris" in the same sentence. Wow.

March 08, 2007

Can't wait to see this new W magazine with Kirsten Dunst. She bought one of my paintings from a show I did at the Lather gallery. I remember I saw her at Swingers after that and introduced myself (after I had a few drinks-) and told her " You bought one of my paintings once" and she said "I did, and you look like one of the girls in your paintings." She was very sweet.

The new W features her on the cover and photos inside by Craig McDean. In her interview she uses her muppet voice and laugh on more than one occasion. She also admits to signing herself up for an art class. The class, which she describes as an intense, nine-to-six daily mixture of painting and drawing, is not for a role, just for her personal gratification.

"It's really about finding your style, rather than 'Hold the pencil like this,' " she adds. "I just need to learn the tools so that I can do the things that I want to do." She likes painting women, she says—mostly faces—and she explains she's inspired by portrait artists Karen Kilimnik and Elizabeth Peyton. "I wish my style was like theirs," she says, sighing.

February 17, 2007

Last night I had the pleasure of watching a Paul Mazursky movie I had never seen before. As most of you film buffs know- he is the legend behind one of my favorite films I LOVE YOU ALICE B. TOKLAS. IF you have never seen that one-by all means rush out and watch it. Anyway the film we watched last night was made in 1973 and titled BLUME in LOVE. It sort of continues with the themes in his movie BOB & CAROL & TED & ALICE --and the idea of how to survive marriage in the heyday of hippies & the "me first" era. BLUME IN LOVE offers up the director's vision of divorce, love, and life in Los Angeles in the 1970s. The movie has that perfect dated 70's quality-( that I always love-) while still managing to be funny. I decided to write about it- mostly because I've seen this "man cheats on woman" plot in a bunch of films made today that fail. I had a recent rant session about why some of these relationship movies even get made. I mean did anyone leave the theatre after "The Last Kiss" or "Trust the Man" and feel like having a relationship? I felt like someone punched me in the stomach and left me lost on day three of a horrible breakup. WOW and what about "We Don't Live Here Anymore" that one hurts bad. Not even Mark Ruffalo's exposed behind made that one feel good. These movies offer something I don't even want to feel in real life-let alone while escaping to a film. Mazursky however is sort of a pro at this subject. In BLUME IN LOVE, Stephen Blume (George Segal) has fallen deeply in love with his ex-wife, Nina (Susan Anspach), but she has moved on and become involved with Elmo (singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson), a groovy out-of-work musician. May I add here that I had never really understood the power of KRIS- until now. Whoa. The second Kris, circa 1973, enters the frame- I blushed. He has so much folky hippie sex appeal in this film with shirt unbuttoned to his navel. Ok, so of course Blume is jealous, begins obsessing about his ex and longs to have her back. He does everything from bring over breakfast bagels to pal around with Elmo and participate in sing-alongs.
The tagline on the poster is something like "A LOVE STORY FOR GUYS WHO CHEAT ON THEIR WIVES".
I'd like to think that this movie and Fatal Attraction put some fear out there.

Kris from that same era- singing a duet with Rita Coolidge (on Youtube)

The hippies and freaks waiting in the welfare room scene look like all the guys here in L.A. you may run into at a show at the ECHO...or riding around in Cindy's car.

January 06, 2007

One of my oldest friends-is a film fanatic. She obsesses over film footage and often takes poloroids of her t.v. set in order to freeze interesting moments and use them in her artwork. I 'll never forget when she formed her fascination with the acting of Jennifer Connolly & Mark Ruffalo. I had seen him a few times in films, and she insisted I see "You can Count on Me". After watching it- I was hooked as well.

There is something so honest about his roles- so credible. In almost every movie you can believe he exists somewhere in the world as that character. You want him to be your neighbor, your brother, perhaps best pal.

The other night I watched "My Life Without Me"- featuring Mark as the lover of a woman who has recently discovered she has only two months left to live. He has a lonely sadness that compells viewers to watch the screen to see what he will say next. It doesn't hurt that he pretty handsome. The film is a real tear jerker, but worth crying through.

(photos from movieweb.com)

He is also going to be starring in the new film ZODIAC-

Here is the latest trailer:

Don't worry- this is merely an appreciation of work well done-
(Although my boyfriend is highly jealous of my starry eyes for mark)
He has a lovely model wife to match him.

December 30, 2006

Today was the best after holiday day ever. First pals Nina and David gave me the cool electric tea kettle I wanted. So now I can make tea in 35 seconds flat without forgetting the water is boiling. Then the mailman delivers a box from AMY Lou and Finn- with the best BOX set of DVD's from the Tennessee Williams collection. (Including my favorite movie BABYDOLL!)- which if you google my name you will find my name signed on a petition to make it a DVD . Then tonight Viv came by and gave me my Xmas gift- the Marie Antoinette Sofia Coppola book. What a day.

If you haven't seen BABYDOLL- Directed by Elia Kazan- you should rent it-- prepare yourself for the best sexual tension in a black and white film- you can almost feel the Mississippi heat and uncomfortable closeness. The film holds up in humor too. Very funny moments scattered about. Although the film was banned by the legion of decency-in 1956 for being to sexually suggestive- it is quite tame by todays standards.
Carol Baker was nominated for the best actress award that year. She was also the largest painted mural on Broadway- in an ad for the film she stared out sucking her thumb while laying in a baby crib.

(images found at hollywoodpinup.com)

my favorite line: when asked how she knows a big word like arson... babydoll says

November 21, 2006

Amazing Director- film genius Robert Altman passed away Monday at age 81.
I credit this man with introducing me to the brilliant Bud Cort (M.A.S.H. and Brewster McCloud)
and for creating mylifelong crush on Elliot Gould-- and inviting me into dreamy ghost like scenarios --like those of Three Women and IMAGES. Susannah York in Images evokes all the creepy strangeness - that would make David Lynch envious.

The following is from writer Rick Lyman for NEW YORK TIMES:
"A risk-taker with a tendency toward mischief, Mr. Altman is perhaps best remembered for a run of masterly films — six in five years — that propelled him to the forefront of American directors and culminated in 1975 with what many regard as his greatest film, “Nashville,” a complex, character-filled drama told against the backdrop of a presidential primary.

They were free-wheeling, genre-bending films that captured the jaded disillusionment of the 70s. The best known was “MASH,” the 1970 comedy set in a field hospital during the Korean war but clearly aimed at antiwar sentiments engendered by Vietnam. Its success, both critically and at the box office, opened the way for Mr. Altman to pursue his ambitions.

In 1971 he took on the Western, making “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” with Warren Beatty and Julie Christie. In 1972, he dramatized a woman’s psychological disintegration in “Images,” starring Susannah York. In 1973, he tackled the private-eye genre with a somewhat loopy adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s “The Long Goodbye,” with the laid-back Elliott Gould playing Philip Marlowe as a 70s retro-hipster. And in 1974 he released two films, exploring gambling addiction in “California Split” and riffing on the Dust Bowl gangster saga with “Thieves Like Us.”

Unlike most directors whose flames burned brightest in the early 1970s — and frequently flickered out — Mr. Altman did not come to Hollywood from critical journals and newfangled film schools. He had had a long career in industrial films and television. In an era that celebrated fresh voices steeped in film history — young directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Peter Bogdanovich and Martin Scorsese — Mr. Altman was like their bohemian uncle, matching the young rebels in their skeptical disdain for the staid conventions of mainstream filmmaking and the establishment that supported it.

Many younger filmmakers continued to admire him as an uncompromising artist who held to his vision in the face of business pressures and who was unjustly overlooked by a film establishment grown fat on special effects and feel-good movies.

In his prime, Mr. Altman was celebrated for his ground-breaking use of multilayer soundtracks. An Altman film might offer a babble of voices competing for attention in crowded, smoky scenes. It was a kind of improvisation that offered a fresh verisimilitude to tired, stagey Hollywood genres.

He was often referred to as a cult director, and it rankled him. “What is a cult?” Mr. Altman said. “It just means not enough people to make a minority.”

The Breakthrough

The storyline had to do with a group of oversexed, booze-soaked Army doctors in a front-line hospital, specifically a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Fifteen directors had already turned the job down. But at 45, Mr. Altman signed on, and the movie, “MASH,” became his breakthrough.

Audiences particularly connected with the authority-bashing attitude of the film’s irreverent doctors, Hawkeye (Donald Sutherland) and Trapper John (Mr. Gould).

“The heroes are always on the side of decency and sanity; that’s why they’re contemptuous of the bureaucracy,” the critic Pauline Kael wrote in The New Yorker. “They are heroes because they are competent and sane and gallant, and in this insane situation their gallantry takes the form of scabrous comedy.”

The villains were not the Communist enemy but the marble-hearted military bureaucrats, personified by the pious Frank Burns (Robert Duvall) and the hypocritical Hot Lips Houlihan (Sally Kellerman).

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including one for best picture and one for Mr. Altman’s direction, and it won the Golden Palm, or Palme d’Or, the top award at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival, and the best picture of the year award of the National Society of Film Critics.

But it was denied the best-picture Oscar; that award went to “Patton.” Mr. Altman went on to receive four more Academy Award nominations for best director, and two more of producing two best picture nominees, “Nashville” and “Gosford Park.” The only Oscar he received, however, was an honorary one, in 2006.

Mr. Altman was angry that the lone Oscar given to “MASH” went to Ring Lardner Jr., who got sole screen credit for the script. Mr. Altman openly disparaged Mr. Lardner’s work, touching off one of his many feuds. Later, when Mr. Altman seemed unable to duplicate the mix of critical and box-office success that “MASH” had achieved, he grew almost disdainful of the film.

“ ‘MASH’ was a pretty good movie,” Mr. Altman said in an interview. “It wasn’t what 20th Century- Fox thought it was going to be. They almost, when they saw it, cut all the blood out. I fought with my life for that. The picture speaks for itself. It became popular because of the timing. Consequently, it’s considered important, but it’s no better or more important than any of the other films I’ve made.”

October 25, 2006

Pardon me, but I loved "Marie Antoinette". I know that I'm supposed to say it lacked real historical content, and that it depicted a superficial setting void of substance...but alas I was smitten. Of course I could dismiss Sofia as rich kid utilizing Daddy's money and prestige to make things happen- but hey- who am I to begrudge someone their inheritance? I know that people are going to say they loathed the soundtrack- the acting, the lack of a guillotine, and Kirsten's tell-tale smirk.
Maybe my love of confectionary tales makes me a valley girl easily amused-...so be it. I go to the movies to be transported someplace else. I want to disappear for a few hours and fall victim to magnificant colors and sounds. I want to run through fields of buttercup bliss in white sheer cotton gowns dripping in ribbons. Every tiny waist poured into an elaborate poof dress took my breath away. One after another each costume change more luscious than the last.
I felt myself get nauseous- as each new scene unfolded...from floral curtains to gilded harpsicords, striped satin chairs and crown molding gallore. I always wondered about that term "french blue" and after seeing room after room of crisp icing blue walls and gowns it became clear.
I suppose because I am an artist, I treasure things that make me want to paint. I could care less about any word muttered in a scene. Bring me instead rows of dainty desserts and shoes coated in bows and beads. Those details obliterate any flaws for me. It was as if Sofia dangled every delight in my face. This movie isn't going to entertain the masses, in fact it may bore them silly. I don't mind, I'll just rosy up my cheeks and try to make myself look like cake, maybe make a nest in my hair or don a sailing ship on my head for folly. Seems like she has made a diary entry "My sweet summer at Versailles"- I wasn't expecting her to lecture me on the french revolution. I know how the famous tale really ends- and am glad that Sofia spared me, and left me with a bittersweet ending instead.

p.s. Did I mention the lovely crush Marie Antoinette has for Swedish Count Alex von Fersen (Jamie Dornan-- and the sexy scene where they play hide and seek and end up making out dandy style in the grass--with the sweet sounds of Adam Ant in the background?

October 10, 2006

Seems like Oct 20th is the opening day for films drenched in fashion flair, like Marie Antoinette and Running With Scissors. I saw the trailor for Running With Scissors at the movie theatre a month ago and nearly fainted when they showed Evan Rachel Wood in her foot high platforms. She was the perfect LOLITA- made-up like a dolly part TAXI-Driver Jodie Foster- and part BIBA-. I can't wait to see the movie, just to see Miss Wood in her 70's get-ups and Gwynyth Paltrow in her even stranger costumes.

According to the Yahoo plot synopsis:

Growing up in the 1970s, young Augusten (Joseph Cross) lives a middle-class existence with an alcoholic father (Alec Baldwin) and a bipolar mother (Annette Bening), an unpublished poet with delusions of becoming famous. When his parents divorce, Augusten's mother sends him to live with her wildly unorthodox psychiatrist, Dr. Finch (Brian Cox) and his eccentric extended family.

As Augusten unwittingly becomes part of the family, he descends into a kind of surreal childhood hell. Yet, he will also find optimism among the horror, hilarity in the insanity and even love amid the dilapidated ruins as he never loses his spirit or his resilience. Ultimately, Agusten will survive through the most extraordinary of circumstances.

Based on the personal memoirs of Augusten Burroughs.
remember this lovely ensemble?

April 24, 2006

Last night, we had the pleasure of meeting one of Greg's superstar actor friends. It's not often we get to watch the movie with the celebrity in the same room. That's right--the ROSS Berkson was in the Cantor theatre. You may remember him best for his debut role in John Hughes --Sixteen Candles. He was the "RAYGUN NERD #1" in the credits. Scene on the schoolbus when she is sitting with her girlfriend and two nerds with jockstraps shoot ray guns at them saying..."Score a direct hit". Classic 80's my friends.
It terrified Ross and Greg that Cynthia and I knew every single line in the movie. It was cool to hear some of the trivia from the set- from our very own family room commentator.
Earlier in the evening we went out with best intentions to dine at our place in Monterey Park. Unfortunately we were too late and had to eat at some creepy Chinese substitute. I was a vegetarian for 14 years- who sometimes ate fish- but now perhaps I will have to wander into Vegan territory.

I mean have you ever seen such sad faces? These guys look straight out of Finding Nemo trailor. I never knew my rock cod with black bean mung sauce looked so damn cute. I saw these two buddies huddled together right before our meal was served. Bummer

Overall meal--poor. Cynthia was too ashamed to be photographed after eating all those salted shrimp faces

April 11, 2006

One of my all time favorite movies is "I LOVE YOU ALICE B. Toklas- made in 1968--starring Peter Sellers and screen debut of a young Leigh-Taylor Young. This comedy really stands up to the test of time and still packs a lot of laughs. Unfortunately they still haven't made it on DVD- (like all my other favorite films- Babydoll, Parenthood etc..)

"Peter Sellers stars as Harold Fine, a self-described square--a 35-year-old Los Angeles Lawyer who is not looking forward to middle age and his upcoming wedding. His life changes, however, when he falls in love with Nancy, a free-spirited, innocent, and beautiful young hippie. After Harold and his family enjoy some of her "groovy" brownies, he decides to "drop out" with her and become a hippie too."
This film was the first for Leigh Taylor Young -who started out on the 1964 t.v. series Peyton Place. It's not hard to see why she was cast--

here she is wearing the same jeans that James Dean wore in REbel Without a CAUSE.

The original title for the movie was supposed to be Kiss the Butterfly- reference to her hippie tattoo. The tattoo for the movie was supposedly painted on by Andy Warhol

She was also married to Ryan O'Neill at one point

I met her once at a boutique opening --I approached her and told her how I loved her role in I Love You Alice B. Toklas and that the store she worked at in the movie was my dream boutique. I loved that they served groovy cookies and had a spiral stair case. I really did base the Show Pony on three places-- Paraphenalia in NYC- her shop in the movie--and BIBA . She looks amazing and still has the best smile and sweet demeanor

March 28, 2006

Well, on the advice of a a friend I rented The Squid and the Whale. To most movie watchers this may be easy to watch- However coming from the War of the Roses- Kramer vs. Kramer house in the 80's- this film broke my heart. I was practically crying from the minute the film started- before anything happened. Something about the year 1986- and the sibling dynamic- The two actors who play the sons are amazing. I was surprised to discover that Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates are the parents of the youngest. He was perfect- as the torn up child of two divorcing parents. I just wanted to mention this movie for a moment-and try to wipe away my own memories before taking this decade long sorrow to the bed.
Oh - finally a movie to take the place of "Men Don't Leave" These things don't seem to get easier as you age. I still feel a bit cheated.

March 24, 2006

With a movie tagline that states..."Shame Shame, everybody knows your name." Darling delivers the shallow goods. Last night after happy hour with the girls, I watched the longest movie ever made. Maybe it isn't the longest but boy it sure felt like I lived through the entire 60's. Julie Christie is great as the amoral social climber who sleeps her way to the top. She is the superficial fashion model who is bored with everything and everyone- creating a nice "cold little film". There is the best classic line in the first half hour when Julie Christie (plays Diane) says:
"It should be so easy to be happy, shouldn't it? Should be the easiest thing in the world- I wonder why it isn't? Maybe it is"

Although it has all the components of a great movie of the week- this movie has no real revelation. It did get Christie the oscar that year. She even beat out Julie Andrews for the Sound of Music! Christie does have a pretty brilliant performance as the tragic heroine. She is so selfish and dense that no life lessons are drawn. It's nice to see a movie portraying a woman with such a strong desire to get ahead that she abandons men with the blink of an eye. This carefree hedonism is shown in various scenes involving sexuality, homosexuality, age difference, infidelity, betrayal, pregnancy and abortion. To my surprise at one point, the pouty beauty rips off her clothes while walking from room to room eventually ending up naked in her Italian palace.

Dirk Bogarde (from the Servant-) plays her second lover- with the best scene where he shouts at her about her infidelities. As they are walking down the street- (she thinking she has pulled one over on him) she wonders why he won't just get a taxi...he says "I don't get into taxi cabs with whores." Their argument is very modern- and emotional. Laurence Harvery (Domino was his daughter) plays the emotionally impotent lover who collects women like trophies for his shelf. He takes her to a great swinging 60's party scene that makes the movie if you ask me. - The party is sexy and creepy and spinning the audience around and around on an ectasy high.

I found it interesting that near the end of the film she has moved up the shallow ladder so high that she becomes the English Princess married to an Italian Prince...making her name "Princess Di" with the unhappy younger woman married to an older man reference. Odd & tragic
I guess in real life Julie Christie dated my man Terrence STamp from the Collector. They dated in the mid 60's and their romance inspired the KINKS song...'Waterloo Sunset'.
I liked the film- it was slow moving- but had some memorable 60's scenes- definitely worth watching again for the hot Italian waiter she and her gay male friend seduce together. Seeing him in a.) his sailor top and white pants on the scooter B.) in his speedo trunks at the beach---
BELLISIMO

March 20, 2006

Perhaps it had something to do with sleeping in my clothes and then wearing them out again that made things start off on a sunday sad note.... I'm not quite certain
The entire day carried a note of nostalgic sorrow. Even though I'm old enough to be over crushes I can't help staring at Mr Dicaprio in films, especially Romeo and Juliet. This marked his all time prime if you ask me. He is wearing open hawaiian tops and mesh metal bell sleeved tops through the most the film and a sardonic smile that suggests he has been some places. Hey I've admired him since his Growing Pains days. The kid is a good actor plain and simple. When he freaks out in This Boys Life on Deniro, kills the cricket in Gilbert Grape--etc... This movie captures that dreamy feeling of love when you're convinced no one else understands it- willing to fight for it-defend it and rightfully die for it. I watched this today and still hoped somehow it would end differently, like Shakespeare could be altered this once.
The entire day seemed to be long and slow.
I wasn't sure where the day would take me-
I just wanted to be where these characters were, on a beach with carnival rides lit up by psychedelic firecrackers and making out. But something about the sadness of the story tainted my Sunday
Later I decided to go to the Wiltern where David was working -- I felt like a heavy haze had been lifted.
The band Belle and Sebastian are a sweet band of 7- that embody all good things about music. They are part pop 60's band- Don Mclean "American Pie" 80's Devo dance movements- and cinematic symphony. Even if you didn't own any of their albums-you would love the sound and energy...
Did I mention all the reasons they are to be fancied?
1. They are predominantly Scottish- English. Like my mother and her family from Glasgow
sexy accents
2. Have great seizure spaz dance moves on stage
3. According to Cynthia it's a good sign if there are more than two people in the audience you
would be willing to sleep with
(or two people in the band good enough to sleep with)
4. They love a good Wallmart adventure
5. They are good to the merch guy
6. Huge musical variety Xtravaganza on stage-

That last one especially good- ie...We saw numerous "indie" couples arm and arm during most of their songs sharing special moments. The closeness made me sort of sad- I kept envisioning how this music would be the perfect soundtrack to a new love embarking on a roadtrip or the backdrop for a dreamy daydream. Imagining this music as songs that will later force you into desperation and sorrow when the love dissolves. I'm not saying love is not permanent-just that sometimes the film starring you- has this type of music that breaks your heart anyways.
But the Wiltern is beyond amazing -gilded walls and starry painted art deco ceilings-
The place where the walls are practically whispering

Check out the young fans as they gather up the bands set list from the stage...they are ecstatic and jealous of the one friend who snagged it first.
Afterwards we wandered down to the basement where we saw some friends-and ate fruit and drank beer

I ran into old friends Nelly and Christopher who tried to teach me how to take a "great" picture. I have not included the one we took together because I still was unable to master this method. Christopher (who dates the male model equivalent of a Kate Moss-) told me he takes Mick JAggers advice "Never look directly into the camera unless someone is paying you" Genius huh?
Anyway the best comment of the evening was Nelly telling me that she thinks I never age. She said "I've known this girl for like 8 years and she always looks the same age-she is like the Dorian Gray of Echo Park...let's hope she's not referring to me somehow selling my soul to stay youthful. I swear it's all that water I drink.
Nelly and Christopher pretending to be a couple
I like to call this one "DAVIDs on ghostfire" or check out davids soul (which he has sold to the devil). P.S. that couple in the background was grinding against the bar in a humping sexual manner throughout most of the happy pop set.
For the record- this band is beyond amazing- definitely dynamic and perfect for the watusi.
I was mezmerized by the dance moves.....David is lucky to be on tour with them.
Ok David- you're right They ARE Lucky to be on tour with YOU. Miss you already...have fun in S.F.
Wow I almost forgot about this keeper. Kid Rock in the house. This one is my favorite. I like to call it little face with big finger and hat.

March 08, 2006

March 07, 2006

I have been thinking lately about this strange movie my mother made me watch as a teen. I remember only that some creepy guy kidnapped a pretty artist girl and held her captive "like a butterfly". I don't remember much except that the place seemed sort of cozy. I was always fascinated by movies where women somehow played dress-up or had a great makeover (Grease- The Girl Most Likely to etc...) In this movie I remember he gave her outfits he thought she would like to wear.

I recently decided to investigate more about this film and found that it was made in 1965! The movie starred Samantha Eggar (as Miranda) and Terence Stamp (as Freddy) cast as an art student and the psychopath who kidnaps her. Terence Stamp is downright creepy and obsessive. The love of collecting is one thing that is held sacred. "His ability to patiently lie in wait and to blend into his surroundings due to his simple ordinariness. He takes great pleasure in capturing and then skillfully arranging his butterfly corpses in macabre spiraling patterns. Freddy treats Miranda's capture exactly as he would the capture of one of his butterflies. He sees her as a specimen and works to set a suitable trap after preparing a perfect setting in which display her. While he does not understand Miranda's bohemian lifestyle, he uses his new wealth to artfully mimic her "habitat" by outfitting the basement room with art books, paints and clothes in the right colors"
There are 12- 15,000 species of butterflies out there supposedly. What kind of crazy mystery magic is that? I can't imagine how that many colors and variations in wing patterns can exist. Do these collectors capture them in the prime of life or when they fall tired to the windowsill?

There has always been a haunting mystery surrounding the outcome of the Peter Weir movie "Picnic At Hanging Rock". I have seen it countless times and watched waiting in awe for some magical solution to why the innocent white frocked girls go missing. The dreamy lens and lush scenery make it even more a super fairy tale. Supposedly there was a missing chapter that may have explained the truth?
The original novel “Picnic at Hanging Rock”, by Joan Lindsay, was first published in Australia by Cheshire Publishing Pty Ltd in 1967.
“Time Without Clocks” is the autobiography of Joan Lindsay first published in Australia by Cheshire Publishing Pty Ltd in 1962.

In what seems like an incredible coincidence Mr Hussey’s and Miss McCraw’s watches both stopped at twelve o’clock (midday) just before the girls go for their fateful walk. Why did the watches stop? An explanation may be found in Lindsay’s autobiography titled “Time Without Clocks” which was published five years before “Picnic at Hanging Rock”: the author was quoted as saying
"There were certain days when I sat at my typewriter in the empty green-aired room feeling like a deep-sea fish suspended in its natural element. Not only in my fish tank but outside in the sheltered valley all natural objects seemed in a state of suspension as they do immediately before an earthquake. It was a characteristic of the Marsh and perhaps had something to do with the old volcanoes seething and boiling so far below the earth’s crust that even the geologists hadn’t discovered them." p124 (Time Without Clocks)
SO WHAT HAPPENED to the girls and Miss Mcgraw?

"The Secret of Hanging Rock" was published in 1987. It contained a chapter that was supposedly the final chapter of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" that revealed the mystery of what happened to the missing people, but was removed before the novel was originally published. I've never actually located this out of print book to find the answers!
So I'm left to watch this film again and ponder Weir and his intoxicating characters full of longing and repression. With soft-focus Weir invents a world of golden hues and gentle whispers, & hazy
appearances, Weir loads the movie with clues that the disappearances should be viewed as metaphorical:
" For starters, the main events take place on Saint Valentine's Day—the most romantic day of the year. However, the teenage girls are trapped at a girls-only school named Appleyard College (an orchard for ripening fruit?). As a result, they pass Valentine's cards among themselves and breathlessly read love poems to each other. In a key scene, Weir shows as they help each other dress, and his camera focuses on a daisy-chain of girls tightening each other's corset. In this land of sexual repression and misplaced sexual yearnings, the girls venture to a towering 500-foot tall rock (with phallic implications?) and four girls in the party begin to climb higher and higher up the slopes. Not surprisingly one girl turns around and runs screaming down the rock. But the others take off their shoes (a sign that they are breaking from sexual repression?), and as the camera idealizes them in a golden haze, they begin their final slow-motion ascent."